Microbiological contamination of toothbrushes and identification of a decontamination protocol using chlorhexidine spray

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the rate of microbial contamination of toothbrushes used by students and established a protocol for the spraying of 0.12% chlorhexidine to decrease the bacterial presence on the bristles of the brushes.Methods: We performed cultures on selective and nonselective media from toothbrushes used by Dentistry students from State University of West Paraná (Unioeste/PR) to identify and quantify the number of total and specific microorganisms. For the chlorhexidine test, a crossover and double-blind study was conducted, with a random selection of volunteers. Each experimental phase consisted of fourteen days of brushing and an interval of seven days between treatments. For the test, thirty volunteers, divided into three groups of 10, using new toothbrushes, sprayed with either water or 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate at different intervals (once or three times daily) after brushing. For statistical analysis, we used main effects ANOVA, and a P-value<0.05 was considered significant.Results: There was microbial growth on 91% of the used toothbrushes, with 81.3% showing growth of Streptococcus. In 56.3% of the brushes, Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae developed. The use of the chlorhexidine spray only three times per day was significantly more effective than water.Conclusion: Even in a group that knows the ideal conditions for the storage of toothbrushes, much microbial contamination still exists on the toothbrushes. A lower bacterial load can be obtained from the simple and inexpensive act of spraying chlorhexidine on the toothbrush after every brushing of the day.Key words: Contamination; antisepsis; chlorhexidine ResumoObjetivo: Este trabalho verificou o índice de contaminação microbiológica de escovas dentais em uso por universitários e estabeleceu um protocolo para o borrifamento de clorexidina 0,12% para diminuir a presença bacteriana nas cerdas das escovas.Métodos: Foram realizadas culturas em meios seletivos e não seletivos de escovas dentais em uso por acadêmicos do curso de Odontologia da Unioeste/PR para identificar e quantificar microrganismos totais e específicos. Para o teste com a clorexidina, foi realizado um estudo cruzado, duplo-cego com seleção aleatória dos voluntários em que cada fase experimental consistia de quatorze dias de escovação e sete dias de intervalo entre os tratamentos. Para o teste, trinta voluntários, divididos em três grupos de 10, utilizando escovas dentais novas, realizavam o borrifamento de água ou gluconato de clorexidina 0,12% com periodicidades diferentes (uma vez ou três vezes ao dia) seguidos à escovação. Para análise estatística foi utilizado uma ANOVA de efeitos principais e P<0,05 foi considerado significativo.Resultados: Houve crescimento microbiano em 91% das escovas em uso, com 81,3% de crescimento de Streptococcus. Em 56,3% das escovas houve desenvolvimento de Staphylococcus e de enterobactérias. Quanto à eficácia da clorexidina somente utilizando três borrifamentos diários obteve diferença significativa em relação ao grupo que util...

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Home Remedies for Toothbrush Decontamination using Vinegar and Vinegar with Common Salt

“…Results of our study showed that 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate is effective in decontaminating the toothbrushes, thus supporting the conclusions of the previous studies. 4,11,15 However, in our study, 38% white vinegar and the combination of 38% white vinegar and 3.5% sodium chloride were found to be more efficient.…”

“…It has been well documented in the literature that toothbrushes are excellent locations for the growth of microorganisms, 15 and after each brushing, there is an actual risk of recolonization. 1 Contaminated toothbrushes are the major source of repeated infection of the oral cavity.…”

“…[17][18][19] Chlorhexidine has been used in various forms like solution and sprays for the decontamination of the toothbrushes, and found to be efficient. 4,11,15 Thus, we chose to use 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate as a positive control. Results of our study showed that 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate is effective in decontaminating the toothbrushes, thus supporting the conclusions of the previous studies.…”

Effectiveness of Use of Ultraviolet Sanitizing Devices for Reduction of Bacterial Colonies on Toothbrushes

“…Such barriers are not understood risk to dental health or systemic diseases such as septicemia and gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal problems. [3,6,7] For people in developing countries economic barriers have an effect on routinely buying toothbrushes.…”

“…Using ultra violate sanitary tools is useful for decontamination of bacteria present in toothbrushes. [6,9] Toothbrushes are often stored in the bathroom or near the toilet and sink and may be exposed to enteric bacteria derived from aerosols. Several supporting factors, including microorganism's defense time, storage conditions, and toothbrush site cause cross infection in the oral cavity [2,10] .…”